India, Nov. 28 -- Heavy rains from Cyclone Ditwah wreaked havoc across Sri Lanka on Friday, killing 46 people and leaving 23 missing, even as officials warned the storm could intensify in the coming hours.

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said a landslide in the central tea-growing district of Badulla swept through homes overnight, killing 21 people.

It marks one of the most severe weather disasters the island has faced in recent years.

The DMC added 43,991 people had been moved to schools and public shelters, including families rescued from rooftops as waters rose.

Most of the casualties were caused by landslides after more than 300 mm (11.8 inches) of rainfall drenched the island's eastern and central regions within a day.

With...